Claudy Man and UUP member says there is a “Hidden Crisis Facing Dogs”

UUP representative Glenn Miller has expressed fears over the ongoing crisis in relation to the animal cruelty stating that the crisis runs deeper than irresponsible ownership or poorly crafted laws.

He said: “A chilling connection exists between animal abuse and domestic violence. In homes where violence festers, animals often become silent victims. Abusers use pets to control and terrorise their partners and children, creating a cycle of fear that binds both human and animal together. It is a grim reality, too often overlooked, that highlights how interconnected animal welfare is with broader societal issues.

“During a powerful talk by Mark Randall, a retired senior police officer and renowned international specialist in crimes against animals, he emphasised the need to go upstream and prevent animals from being harmed. His message was clear: protect animals, protect people. Randall argued that by safeguarding animals, we ultimately create safer environments for people, as the abuse of animals is often a precursor to further violence. When we fail to protect animals from cruelty, we also fail to protect vulnerable people, those who may rely on the companionship of a pet to help them endure their darkest times.”

Miller called out the ongoing animal cruelty in our society saying: “Perhaps the most insidious aspect of this crisis is the role organised crime plays in animal cruelty, particularly in dog fighting. It’s not just about the horrific violence inflicted on the dogs; these activities are woven into larger criminal enterprises, including human trafficking and child exploitation. The glorification of violence in these circles is closely linked with a distorted notion of dominance and power. The so-called status dogs that many men acquire aren’t just symbols of strength; they also represent toxic masculinity. The connections between these dogs, misogyny, and violence against women and girls are all too clear. The cycle of violence continues, from animals to humans. There is a pattern.”

Mr Miller addressed the issue of our local animal shelters overflowing with unwanted pets.
He called this 'a distressing symptom of this broken system'.

“They are packed with abandoned pets, many surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them or are rescued from abusive homes,” he continued.

“Thousands of these dogs are homeless, and many face the grim reality of euthanasia, victims of a failed system. It’s a brutal outcome of breed-specific legislation that condemns dogs based on appearance rather than behaviour.
The burden doesn’t just fall on the animals; the people who work in these shelters, many of them volunteers, are under immense strain. These small charities are doing the work that governments have neglected, at a great cost. The emotional toll on volunteers is staggering, with many struggling with compassion fatigue and PTSD. They give so much to save lives but often face their battles with trauma and burnout.”

However, there is some hope on the horizon. Mr Miller has highlighted a research project led by Liverpool University led by Professor Marie Fox and Dr Sarah Singh examining how legal regulation can raise animal welfare standards. As part of their work, they’ve developed a dog law toolkit to assist stakeholders in Northern Ireland with improving rescue operations. Though still a work in progress, Liverpool University is seeking input from local rescues to help refine the toolkit. If you’re involved in rescue work and want to contribute, you can find more information at regulationofdogrescue.com or by emailing info@regulationofrescue.com.

Going forward Miller believes education is key to addressing these complex issues.
“From an early age, children must be taught to respect and care for all living creatures. It’s a lesson in empathy that extends beyond animal welfare and helps shape a more compassionate society. The importance of such education cannot be overstated. It’s heartening to see organisations like Dogs Trust taking the lead in this area.

“They actively visit schools, teaching children not just about responsible pet ownership, but also how to stay safe around dogs, with child safeguarding always as a top priority. Their work helps children understand that cruelty is never acceptable, whether directed at animals or people. By instilling compassion early on, we don’t just protect animals; we nurture the empathy that can prevent violence in all its forms.”

Mr Miller recently attended the Collaboration Conference hosted by Causeway Coast Dog Rescue at Stormont Hosted by Claire Sugden MLA, where many of these pressing issues were discussed.
“We talked about everything from puppy farms and breeder licensing to the need for stronger animal protection laws. One standout initiative was Dogs Trust’s Chance of a Lifetime scheme. This year alone, they have relocated 1300 dogs from council pounds in Northern Ireland to Great Britain, ensuring none face unnecessary euthanasia.

Their work is a shining example of the power of collaboration and the hope that can arise from collective efforts, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
“As a concerned citizen, I am committed to pushing for tougher sentencing for animal abusers. Our laws need to reflect the seriousness of these crimes. I am also closely following the progress of the Renters’ Rights Bill currently moving through Parliament. This bill would make it easier for victims of domestic violence to leave abusive homes with their pets, without fearing they won’t find safe, pet-friendly accommodation. Peter Laurie of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has pointed out that one of the biggest reasons people surrender their pets is the lack of housing options. This is a clear problem we must address to prevent further heartbreak.”

He continued saying: “Equally important is remembering the volunteers and small charities that are the backbone of our efforts to protect vulnerable animals. Their mental health and well-being are just as important as the animals they care for. This is why all statutory agencies, charities, and rescues need to collaborate, share data, and work together instead of operating in silos. When we work together, we create a stronger, more compassionate system that better serves both animals and people in need.

“At the heart of this issue is a simple truth: how we treat the most vulnerable, whether animals or people, speaks volumes about who we are as a society. It’s time we take these issues seriously, with compassion, education, and action. Only then can we hope to build a world where cruelty is no longer tolerated, and all living beings are treated with the respect and care they deserve.”